CVE-2002-0489: Linux Directory Penguin NsLookup CGI script (nslookup.pl) 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary cod

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HIGH 10.0WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0489 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting nslookup. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Linux Directory Penguin NsLookup CGI script (nslookup.pl) 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in the (1) query or (2) type parameters.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	5.7% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-08-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: linux directory penguin

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-08-12 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

linux directory penguin nslookup DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy nslookup || rpm -q nslookup || nslookup --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison nslookup sudo apt install nslookup=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold nslookup

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list nslookup sudo dnf downgrade nslookup-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add nslookup

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2002-0489?

nslookup: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-0489 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0489 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2002-0489 affect?

CVE-2002-0489 affects nslookup. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Linux Directory Penguin NsLookup CGI script (nslookup.pl) 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in the (1) query or (2) type parameters.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0489?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

References

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